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Para español haga clic aquí Dear Neighbors, As we enter the final month of the legislative session, my colleagues and I are working diligently to pass a balanced budget and address key issues facing our state. Over the past few months, the House has been busy advancing legislation to the Senate — and I’m proud to share that I successfully passed four bills that tackle critical needs across Illinois: HB3637- Strengthens Illinois’ commitment to protecting healthcare providers by expanding current Shield Law protections. This bill reinforces the Illinois Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to safeguard access to abortion and expands protections to all healthcare professionals authorized to practice in Illinois. HB3566- Protects minors from being named as defendants in eviction proceedings, offering vulnerable youth greater security and stability. HB3467- Modernizes our state's banking regulations by updating the Illinois Banking Act to align more closely with the Illinois Savings Bank Act and the Illinois Credit Union Act, helping ensure consistency across financial institutions. HB1699- Addresses the growing shortage of water and wastewater operators by codifying an existing Operator-in-Training program within the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, supporting workforce development and safeguarding public health.
Beyond moving legislation forward, we continue to work on major statewide issues, including pension reform, transit improvements, and property tax relief. As a member of two pension committees and the Pensions Working Group, I am actively involved in crafting thoughtful, sustainable solutions to strengthen our pension systems for the future. I'm also excited to introduce a new initiative to stay even more connected with you: Introducing Rep. Avelar’s Fireside Chats!
Have a question about government, legislation, or how things work behind the scenes? Submit your questions here! I’ll answer them in short videos shared on my social media platforms and in our upcoming newsletters. It's an excellent way for us to stay connected and for you to have your voice heard. If you have any other questions about pending legislation, the budget, or other state matters, please don't hesitate to contact my office. We are here to serve you! Thank you for the honor of allowing me to represent you. Sincerely,
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NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCEDProgram Details: “The Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program will empower and equip individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to use the internet to fully participate in Illinois’ modern society and economy.”
Eligible Applicants: A political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of a State, including an agency of a State that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities, or for providing public housing, in the State. An Indian Tribe, an Alaska Native entity, or a Native Hawaiian organization. A foundation, corporation, institution, or association that is: a. a not-for-profit entity; and b. not a school. A community anchor institution, meaning a public school, a public or multi-family housing authority, a library, a medical or healthcare provider, a community college or other institution of higher education, a State or Territory library agency, and any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization. A local educational agency. An entity that carries out a workforce development program. A partnership between any of the entities described in paragraphs (1) through (6). A partnership between[1]a. an entity described in any of paragraphs (1) through (6); and b. an entity that the Assistant Secretary, by rule, determines to be in the public interest; and is not a school.
Application Deadline: May 8 at 5:00pm Program Details: The National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO) offers two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000), constituent-led grassroots organizations throughout the United States and its territories.” Organizations must be a nonprofit, 501(c)3 or have a fiscal sponsor.
Eligible Applicants: Have an annual operating budget under $350,000 Use grassroots, collective-action organizing campaigns as the primary strategy for creating social change Be a non-profit with 501(c)3 status, or have a fiscal agent with this status Be U.S.-based and exclusively U.S.-focused
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OUT AND ABOUTIf you would like to invite me to an event, meeting, or tour of your facility, please reach out to my office at info@repdagmara.org.
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I had a great time being a judge for the inaugural Bolingbrook Police Department Art Competition! Bolingbrook High School students entered their art into a contest where they all won a scholarship! |
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I was able to secure funding to help the Bolingbrook Police Department provide new shoes for all the students participating in the Heart Haven 3on3 basketball tournament! This tournament is a great way for students to stay active and for community members to be involved as coaches. |
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I joined my colleagues for the annual Women in Pink event at the Governor’s Mansion to celebrate Women’s History Month! It’s always a great event that honors the many achievements of women in government. |
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While I was in Springfield, Briana attended the FOCUOS Ribbon Cutting for their new location! They secured space for the students to meet, play games, film videos, study, and just have a safe space to hang out. |
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Rep. Manley, Senator Cappel, County Executive Bertino Tarrant, and myself hosted a Blood Drive, where we met our goal of 30 units of blood donated! |
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I hosted a Women’s Panel to celebrate women in the workforce! The panel featured Amy Sanchez, Program Director for Warehouse Workers for Justice; Dansen Mayhay, Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual; and Joanne Rodriguez, CEO and Founder of Mycocycle. It was a very inspiring event, where the panelists discussed the importance of women in management roles. |
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Mayor Noak presented the Romeoville State of the Village, where he discussed the many upcoming projects in the village - including summer concerts, family programming, and many new businesses! |
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Briana attended the Envision Fairmont meeting to hear concerns and comments from Fairmont residents to discuss the future plan for the community. It’s important to work together at all levels of government to ensure our communities can thrive. |
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My team attended the annual Wilco Area Career Fair for Public Service. They talked to students from Law Enforcement, Vet Tech, Education, and Culinary tracks about jobs in the government and the importance of being civically engaged in both their career and personal lives. |
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I met with the owner and manager of the Joint Shop in Homer Glen to discuss their views and suggestions on the CBD and Kratom discussions happening in the General Assembly. It’s important to bring all the stakeholders to the table to get the best results. |
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I toured the Lockport Township High School’s Career and Technical division with SkillsUSA students, advisors, and superintendent Dr. McBride. I was also excited to present LTHS SkillsUSA Advisor Matthew Mullins with a plaque for State Advisor of the Year! |
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My team attended the Brooks Middle School Career and College Fair where students were exposed to different career paths, college options, and clubs they can join in high school! The students were very engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and even proposed legislation! |
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I was honored to be a guest at Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Naturalization Ceremony. Newly naturalized citizens from 34 different countries took their oath and were honored at this event! |
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After the Peanut opened their new location in Joliet, where they’ll be able to continue to provide STEAM programming for children! |
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I joined Mayor Noak and the Village of Romeoville for our annual Spring Shred Event! We were able to safely and securely dispose of documents for residents at the Public Works building! |
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Humphrey Middle School students visited the Capitol and I was able to meet with them in between their tours! It’s always great to see 85th District residents in Springfield! |
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Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant, the County Sheriff’s Office, and my office hosted a Shred Event and Medicine Take back event in Carillon! It was a busy morning - we filled the entire shred truck with paper and a full sheriff’s vehicle of medication! |
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I was honored to speak at the Workers’ Memorial Event hosted by Three Rivers Manufacturing Association, OSHA, and JJC. This event honors those who have lost their lives at work or due to work related illnesses and injuries. We must continue to invest in safe work spaces for everyone, which should not be a privilege, but a right. |
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I visited Rasmussen University’s surgical tech class and scrubbed in for a “surgery”! It was so great learning about the importance of surgical techs in our operating rooms. They keep procedures safe and on track |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & RESOURCES
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Assessment Events in the 85th District: May 7th, 11am-3pm at the DuPage Township Levy Center May 16th, 10am-2pm at the Romeoville Recreation Center June 2nd, 10am-2pm at Lago Vista** June 6th, 10am-2pm at the Carillon Clubhouse** June 16th, 10am-2pm at the Lockport Township Building
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Are you in the market for a new home? Call the Will County Center for Community Concerns to see if you qualify for our Down Payment Assistance Program. Click the link below to learn more about the services offered by WCCCC! https://wcccc.net Will County Center for Community Concerns 2455 Glenwood Avenue Joliet, IL 60435 Ph: (815) 722-0722
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Save Money and Energy at Home! ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas have partnered to help single family homeowners and renters save money and energy through the Home Energy Savings offering, while also promoting sustainability. This program offers free home assessments, free and discounted energy-saving products, tips and resources tailored to your individual needs. The Home Energy Savings program offers: FREE virtual, in-person, or self-assessments to identify energy-saving opportunities. Ready-to-use products like LEDs, showerheads, faucet aerators and pipe insulation. Products such as smart thermostats, and advanced power-strips are free to income eligible customers. Free deeper home improvements like attic and wall insulation, and even equipment upgrades (e.g. A/C, boiler, furnace, hot water heater) for income qualifying customers. Free improvements to increase air quality and home comfort. Customized educational resources and referrals for further support
Get started with your free energy assessment here or by calling 855-660-9378. Renew Your Medicaid!Got Medicaid? Get ready to renew! Manage your case at abe.illinois.gov. Illinois is checking to see if you are still eligible for Medicaid. Here's what you need to do now: Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov to: Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away. If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the official Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace for Illinois, GetCoveredIllinois.gov. 211 Help LineI encourage people to take advantage of the 211 line and website. 211 is powered by real people — trained specialists who work to identify and address the root causes of a client’s problem. That means from the first hello, someone in crisis is reaching a real person who can provide a connection to help. Get help with food, clothing, shelter, housing, rent/utility assistance, counseling, substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, transportation, support groups, senior services, aging parents, child care, employment, legal assistance, and health care.Text 898211 for help. Food PantriesSmartBuy Program is Back!SmartBuy is helping eligible home buyers pay off up to $40,000 in student loans plus $5,000 in assistance towards down payment and closing costs while buying a home! To learn more about this program, click here.
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